90 hp chrysler running issues at idle

[newboater2012]

I just bought a 1983 reken 17' boat. This is my first boat. It has a 90 hp chrysler charger outboard on it. It runs great at higher rpms but when running at slower speeds and at idle it seems to start flooding out. I was told that the fuel recyling reeds may be gummed up and need cleaning does this sound right?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 90 hp chrysler running issues at idle

If the idle problem is indeed flooding there could be several causes.

1. Oil recycing system does improve the idle by preventing a "slug" of unburned oil and puddled from flooding one cylinder.
2. A pinhole in the fuel pump diaphragm will cause flooding on one or two cylinders at idle yet this excess fuel will be burned at higher RPM.
3. Incorrectly set carb floats or sticking carb inlet needles will flood the engine at idle. At high RPM the excess fuel is proportionally less than at idle so the engine will burn it with a slight loss of power due to richness.

Note that your Prestolite ignition will tend to foul sparkplugs at idle and the first sign will be hard starting and stalling at idle. Thus, the first thing you should do is clean the plugs.

 

[newboater2012]

Re: 90 hp chrysler running issues at idle

If the idle problem is indeed flooding there could be several causes.

1. Oil recycing system does improve the idle by preventing a "slug" of unburned oil and puddled from flooding one cylinder.
2. A pinhole in the fuel pump diaphragm will cause flooding on one or two cylinders at idle yet this excess fuel will be burned at higher RPM.
3. Incorrectly set carb floats or sticking carb inlet needles will flood the engine at idle. At high RPM the excess fuel is proportionally less than at idle so the engine will burn it with a slight loss of power due to richness.

Note that your Prestolite ignition will tend to foul sparkplugs at idle and the first sign will be hard starting and stalling at idle. Thus, the first thing you should do is clean the plugs.

Thanks for the help I will check them when I get home.